This is a letter to editor in Frederick News Post Posted: Sunday, October 20, 2013 2:00 am Cowell: Safety, fiscal responsibility My name is Daniel Cowell and I am running for alderman in the city of Frederick. I would like to share a few key components of my platform: safety first, fiscal responsibility and low taxes. Safety first means safety in neighborhoods, safety in the business districts and safety in public venues. There have been some issues in certain areas of Frederick that would suggest a stronger police presence is necessary. I would strongly support additional foot patrols where needed, as well as several police substations as revenue allows. Aldermen are constantly making financial decisions. I pledge to be fiscally responsible when making decisions about spending your hard-earned money. I am a credit manager for a major U. S. corporation and believe my knowledge of finance will enable me to understand complex financial data and make tough, good financial decisions for the city. The decisions that are made financially today will be with the city of Frederick for many tomorrows. The Frederick News-Post posted an article regarding the City’s $2.3 million dollar general fund shortage Oct. 9. Three major credit companies have indicated our current rating as of 2012 was good. However, unfunded benefits were alarming concerns. Should our bond and/or credit rating fall, then taxes could increase due to cost of funds being more expensive, and loss of services could be a reality. It is time for residents to realize Frederick needs to pay down debt and reform employee benefits to save taxpayers millions. We need to get our fiscal house in order. We all want low taxes while preserving services. I believe it is the responsibility of the mayor and Board of Aldermen to examine closely all expenses, including pensions and benefits, to determine how to keep taxes under control. Services cannot be crowded out by increases in certain expenses to the point where taxes have to be raised. I will work hard to keep spending under control while maintaining the services city residents expect. I am a problem solver who can consider all sides of an issue before reaching a conclusion. That means I will listen with respect to input from the public, from the mayor and remaining aldermen to find solutions to problems large and small. I know how to work with others to achieve sound results because I work in teams at my current job, previous employers, and I have been a good team player in the Frederick area on kickball and soccer leagues. Only with teamwork can the mayor and aldermen of Frederick arrive at the best for Frederick. Along with teamwork, there needs to be diversity on the Board of Alderman. Ideally, the public sector, the private sector, small business and possibly the nonprofit world should be represented. As I have indicated, my job is in the private sector in the corporate world and I believe the point of view and skill-set I bring will be an asset to the board. Diversity on the Board of Aldermen would reflect the growing diversity in the population of Frederick. I have heard the many voices during my campaign and will make every effort to represent the different needs of each constituency. I would act to preserve what makes Frederick a great place to live and work but I would be adaptable in my approach as I recognize our city is changing rapidly. I feel privileged to have been part of the primary process and I hope to receive your vote and support on Nov. 5 to represent each and every neighborhood and business district in our wonderful city. Please do not hesitate to contact me at DanielDCowell@gmail. Dan Cowell is a Republican candidate for Frederick alderman.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 03:12:01 +0000
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